top of page

Political Landscapes
Policies and Powers

Political Insights

Significance of India's Constitutional Features"

Examining the Core Features

Understanding India's Constitution's Prominent Features

the Core Features of the Indian Constitution


The Constitution of India stands as a cornerstone of the nation's democratic fabric, embodying the aspirations and values of a diverse and dynamic society. Enacted on January 26, 1950, it is not only the supreme law of the land but also the longest written constitution in the world. Crafted by a Constituent Assembly representing the hopes and dreams of a newly independent nation, the Constitution of India is a remarkable document that outlines the principles, rights, and responsibilities that govern the country's citizens, institutions, and government. This article delves into the salient features of the Constitution of India, shedding light on its key components that have sustained India's democratic journey for over seven decades.


Background: Crafting a Nation's Identity and Aspirations

The story of the Constitution of India's genesis is one of arduous deliberations, profound foresight, and an unyielding commitment to creating a just and equitable society. In the wake of India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, the need to lay down a comprehensive and inclusive framework for governance became paramount. The task of shaping this framework fell to the Constituent Assembly, a body of visionary leaders and representatives drawn from across the country's diverse linguistic, cultural, and social spectrum.


Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the drafting committee worked tirelessly to weave together a tapestry of principles that would secure individual freedoms, promote social justice, and foster a spirit of unity among the nation's multitude of communities. The Assembly's discussions spanned over two years and witnessed intense debates on issues ranging from federalism and separation of powers to minority rights and affirmative action. The Constitution emerged not merely as a legal document but as a manifestation of the collective identity of a nation determined to break free from the shackles of inequality and oppression.


Salient Features: Pillars of India's Democratic Framework


Influences on the Constitution of India

The Constitution of India, renowned for its comprehensive scope, has derived wisdom from multiple sources, creating a unique mosaic of governance principles:

Government of India Act of 1935: Laying foundational aspects, this Act contributed federal structure, emergency powers, presidential and gubernatorial powers, federal judiciary, administrative systems, and public service commissions.

United Kingdom: Borrowing from the UK, India adopted parliamentary governance, parliamentary privileges, bicameral parliament, Prime Ministerial role, Council of Ministers, single citizenship, the Comptroller and Auditor General's office, writ jurisdiction, and the rule of law.

United States: The Constitution echoes the US in fundamental rights, independent judiciary, judicial review, presidential impeachment, judge removal procedures, and the Vice President's office.

Australia: Australian influences encompass a concurrent list, cooperative federalism, center-state relations, joint parliamentary sittings, and trade and commerce freedom.

USSR: The ideals of fundamental duties and justice – social, economic, and political – trace back to the Soviet Union's constitution.

International Borrowings: Elements such as the ballot system and emergency suspension of rights from the Weimar Constitution (Germany), federal aspects from Canada, constitutional amendments procedures from South Africa, Rajya Sabha electoral methods from South Africa and Ireland, republic status from France, and procedural laws from Japan.


Incorporating these diverse elements has shaped the Constitution of India into a singular masterpiece, combining global wisdom with the nation's unique character.


The Epitome of Length and Detail: The Constitution of India

Undoubtedly, the Constitution of India stands as a monumental testament to its status as the world's longest written Constitution, a distinction it has earned due to a convergence of essential factors:

Intricate Elaboration: Enacted in 1950, the Constitution initially comprised a staggering 395 Articles organized into 22 Parts, along with 8 Schedules. This meticulous detailing creates a comprehensive framework that addresses virtually every aspect of governance and society, forming a robust legal edifice.

Expression of Diversity: The Constitution mirrors the vastness and diversity of India. As a reflection of the nation's rich cultural, linguistic, and regional tapestry, its length serves as an embodiment of the multitude of identities and aspirations within the country.

Global Constitutional Synthesis: The Constitution draws inspiration from the constitutional experiences of various countries, synthesizing elements that resonate with India's context while incorporating best practices from around the world.

Dual Provisions for Unity and Diversity: Remarkably, the Constitution seamlessly integrates provisions for both the central government and individual states, striking a balance between federal and unitary principles. This fusion accommodates cohesive governance while respecting regional diversity.

Influence of Intellectual Leaders: The Constituent Assembly was graced by legal and political luminaries whose collective wisdom infused the document with precision and clarity. Their insights elevated the Constitution into a legal masterpiece.

Holistic Administrative Framework: Beyond individual rights and governmental principles, the Constitution encompasses intricate administrative provisions, enhancing its applicability by laying the foundation for efficient governance and administration.

Inclusive Provisions for Marginalized Groups: The Constitution's extensive coverage includes specialized provisions for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women, children, and backward regions. This dedication to inclusivity underscores India's commitment to social justice and equitable progress.


In conclusion, the length of the Constitution of India is not mere verbosity; it signifies a purposeful effort to craft a comprehensive, adaptable, and inclusive governance framework resonating with the nation's diverse identity. Through its exhaustive provisions, the Constitution provides a robust legal foundation while encapsulating India's unwavering dedication to democratic values, social justice, and harmonious coexistence.


Striking a Balance: The Unique Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility in India's Constitution

The Constitution of India, often hailed as a masterpiece of legal craftsmanship, exhibits a distinctive fusion of rigidity and flexibility, a balance achieved through its amending procedure. This procedure classifies certain parts as amenable through the ordinary legislative process, while demanding a more rigorous approach for others. This approach ensures that the Constitution remains adaptable to changing times, while preserving its core values and foundational principles.

Ordinary and Special Amendments: India's Constitution allows for a variety of amendments. Some provisions can be modified or updated through the ordinary legislative process, similar to regular laws. However, certain fundamental aspects require a more rigorous procedure. These critical aspects necessitate a specialized amending procedure to ensure that alterations align with the Constitution's overarching spirit.

Special Amending Procedure: For the more substantial amendments, a distinct procedure is established. A proposed amendment must be passed in both houses of Parliament with a majority of the total membership and a minimum of one-third of the members present and voting. This ensures that significant changes are only made with a substantial level of agreement and support among the nation's elected representatives.

State Ratification: In addition to the stringent parliamentary process, certain amendments require ratification by the legislatures of at least half the states in the country. This mechanism fosters a broader consensus by involving the states in the amendment process, accommodating regional viewpoints and ensuring that the interests of diverse regions are considered before any modification is made.

Balancing Stability and Adaptability: The deliberate inclusion of both ordinary and special amending procedures strikes a balance between stability and adaptability. While the ordinary process allows for necessary changes to be made without impeding the functioning of the government, the specialized process ensures that the Constitution's core tenets and principles are upheld.

Preserving Foundational Values: This unique blend of rigidity and flexibility safeguards the essence of the Constitution. The balance strikes a chord between the need for evolution and the requirement to uphold the Constitution's foundational values, ensuring that any amendments align with the country's democratic ethos and diverse societal fabric.


India's Constitution demonstrates a profound understanding of the need to evolve while retaining its core identity. The interplay between ordinary and special amendment procedures highlights the thoughtful approach of the framers, allowing the Constitution to stand the test of time while accommodating the changing needs of the nation.


Parliamentary System of Government: A Harmony of Responsibility

The Parliamentary system of government is a harmonious interplay between the legislative and executive branches, where the Parliament exercises control over the functioning of the Council of Ministers, thus earning its title.

Responsibility to Legislature: In this system, the executive branch is accountable and responsible to the legislative body, marking a significant distinction from other forms of government. The executive's actions and policies are subject to scrutiny by the Parliament, ensuring that it remains in sync with the nation's aspirations.

Executive Accountability: The tenure of the executive's power is directly linked to the confidence it enjoys in the legislature. As long as the Council of Ministers maintains the trust of the Parliament, it retains its position. This built-in mechanism underscores the dynamic relationship between the executive and the legislature, emphasizing the need for cooperation and responsiveness.

Nominal Head and Real Executive: The President of India assumes a nominal, symbolic, or constitutional role as the head of the executive. The President's term lasts for five years and serves as a unifying figure for the nation. The true executive authority, however, rests with the Prime Minister, who leads the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister is the practical embodiment of executive power and leadership, steering the nation's policies and decisions.

Collective Responsibility to Lower House: The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively accountable to the lower house of the Parliament, known as the Lok Sabha. The executive's actions, decisions, and policies are subject to constant scrutiny, encouraging transparency and fostering a direct connection between the government and the people's representatives.

Symbiotic Governance: The Parliamentary system's essence lies in its symbiotic nature, where the executive's authority is tethered to its responsiveness to the legislature's expectations. This system not only ensures a robust mechanism for checks and balances but also maintains a constant dialogue between the government and the governed.


The Parliamentary system of government showcases a harmonious balance between the legislative and executive branches, where the executive's accountability to the legislature serves as a linchpin. This accountable governance mechanism, embodied in the Prime Minister's leadership and the Council of Ministers, exemplifies the spirit of democratic collaboration, responsibility, and collective action.


Single Citizenship: Unifying Identity Across India

In contrast to federal systems where citizens often possess dual citizenship of both the central government and their respective states, India embraces a concept of single citizenship, established by the union and universally recognized across the nation's states.

Unified Identity: Under the single citizenship framework, individuals throughout India are identified as citizens of the country as a whole, irrespective of their specific state of residence. This approach fosters a sense of national unity, emphasizing a shared identity that transcends regional boundaries.

Simplicity and Clarity: Single citizenship simplifies the citizenship process by eliminating the need for citizens to navigate dual sets of rights, responsibilities, and legal statuses. It ensures uniformity in legal treatment and promotes clarity in matters of citizenship.

Promoting National Integration: By fostering a unified sense of belonging to the entire nation, the concept of single citizenship plays a significant role in promoting national integration and reducing divisions based on regional affiliations.

Mitigating Administrative Complexity: In a vast and diverse country like India, managing dual citizenship within a federal structure could lead to administrative complications. Single citizenship streamlines administrative processes and reduces potential conflicts between state and central authorities.

Constitutional Basis: The idea of single citizenship is grounded in the Constitution of India, reflecting the framers' vision of a united nation. Article 5 to 11 of the Constitution outlines the conditions for acquiring Indian citizenship, irrespective of the state in which an individual resides.


Single citizenship is a testament to India's commitment to fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among its citizens. By consolidating citizenship under the union and across states, this approach underscores the importance of a cohesive national fabric, facilitating efficient governance and reinforcing the idea of "Unity in Diversity."


Universal Adult Franchise: Embracing Political Equality

Embedded within the Indian Constitution is the principle of universal adult franchise, a mechanism that empowers political equality by adhering to the tenet of 'one person one vote'. Under this system, every Indian citizen aged 18 or above possesses the right to vote in elections, free from considerations of caste, gender, race, religion, or social status.

Foundation of Political Equality: Universal adult franchise is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that every citizen's voice carries equal weight. This principle stands as a beacon of political equality, where individuals exercise their right to shape the nation's direction without any discrimination.

Inclusive Representation: By granting voting rights to all eligible citizens, universal adult franchise ensures that elected representatives are chosen by a diverse cross-section of society. This inclusivity results in a more representative and reflective democratic process, where the concerns and aspirations of all segments are considered.

Strengthening Democracy: The practice of 'one person one vote' amplifies the democratic ethos of the nation. Regardless of social, economic, or cultural differences, citizens are afforded an equal platform to participate in the electoral process, reinforcing the principles of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Promoting Social Justice: Universal adult franchise serves as a tool for promoting social justice by providing historically marginalized groups with a significant stake in the political process. It empowers citizens from diverse backgrounds to influence policies and decisions that impact their lives.

Catalyst for Civic Participation: This principle encourages active civic engagement among citizens, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership in the democratic process. The act of voting becomes a tangible expression of one's commitment to the nation's welfare.

Constitutional Guarantor: The Indian Constitution enshrines universal adult franchise as a fundamental right and a core component of its democratic framework. This guarantee reflects the framers' intent to create a participatory democracy that upholds the values of equality and inclusivity.


Universal adult franchise stands as a testament to India's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable democracy. By embracing the principle of 'one person one vote', India's political landscape resonates with the collective voices of its diverse populace, exemplifying the true spirit of democratic governance.


Independence and Integration: The Judicial System of India

The judicial system in India is meticulously designed to maintain its independence from the executive and legislative branches of government. Structured as an integrated framework, the country boasts a tiered judicial setup, with the Supreme Court at its pinnacle, High Courts below, and these, in turn, supervising lower courts.

Judicial Autonomy: A cornerstone of India's democratic fabric is the autonomy of its judiciary. The judicial branch is deliberately insulated from the influence of both the executive and legislative arms, ensuring impartiality, fairness, and the upholding of justice without external pressures.

Integrated Judicial Hierarchy: India's judicial system is seamlessly interwoven, functioning as a well-coordinated hierarchy of courts. At the apex stands the Supreme Court, holding jurisdiction over the entire country. High Courts operate regionally and exercise jurisdiction over their respective states or union territories. They supervise subordinate or lower courts within their territorial limits.

Supreme Court: Apex of Justice: The Supreme Court stands as the highest court of appeal in India. Its authority encompasses the entire nation and its verdicts set legal precedents for all lower courts to follow. This institution safeguards the Constitution, interprets laws, and ensures uniformity in the application of justice throughout the country.

High Courts: Regional Sentinels: High Courts play a pivotal role within their jurisdictions. They serve as guardians of justice at the state or union territory level, addressing cases of significance and ensuring legal consistency across their domain. High Courts also wield the power of judicial review, scrutinizing the actions of both government and private entities.

Lower Courts: Local Justice Dispensers: Lower courts, often referred to as subordinate or district courts, constitute the base of the judicial pyramid. They handle a vast range of civil and criminal cases at the local level, directly interacting with citizens and providing timely resolution to legal disputes.

Balancing Powers and Ensuring Justice: The integrated and hierarchical structure of India's judicial system ensures a balance of power while maintaining a clear path for appeals. This setup guarantees that all citizens have access to justice, regardless of their location or social standing.

Preserving Rule of Law: The autonomy of the judiciary, along with its integrated design, is instrumental in upholding the rule of law. It prevents undue influence from other branches of government, safeguarding individual rights and democratic principles.


The independence and integration of India's judicial system exemplify the nation's commitment to upholding justice, equality, and the rule of law. This cohesive and impartial structure ensures that the judicial process remains a cornerstone of democracy, providing citizens with a fair and equitable means of seeking redress and protection of their rights.


Foundations of Governance: Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy

The framework of governance in India rests on three integral components: Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Fundamental Rights: Defining Freedom with Limitations

Fundamental Rights serve as cornerstones of individual freedoms and liberties in India. These rights, while not absolute, are governed by limitations explicitly defined in the constitution. Citizens can seek enforcement of these rights through the court of law. These rights encompass a diverse range of aspects such as freedom of speech, equality, and protection from discrimination.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): Guiding Principles for Governance

DPSPs offer a set of guidelines for states to follow in the governance process. Although not legally enforceable in court, they shape the moral and ethical framework within which governments operate. These principles embody socio-economic ideals, aiming to create a just and equitable society. They serve as a compass for policy-making and underline the commitment to securing the welfare of citizens.

Fundamental Duties: Moral Imperatives

The 42nd Amendment introduced Fundamental Duties, acknowledging the moral responsibilities of citizens toward the nation. Unlike enforceable rights, these duties aren't legally binding but are essential for the well-being of society. They encompass respect for the Constitution, protection of the country's sovereignty, and promotion of harmony.

Harmonizing Governance and Citizenship: This triad forms the bedrock of a balanced governance structure, harmonizing the rights of citizens, the responsibilities of individuals, and the guiding principles for state action. While Fundamental Rights empower individuals, Fundamental Duties instill a sense of collective responsibility, and Directive Principles guide policy for an equitable society.

Mutual Reinforcement: Fundamental Rights often intersect with Directive Principles, as state policies and laws strive to actualize both sets of principles. Similarly, the spirit of Fundamental Duties aligns with the aspirations outlined in Directive Principles, fostering an environment of social consciousness and civic engagement.


The interplay between Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy defines the complex yet interconnected relationship between citizens and the state. This tripartite framework ensures a just, equitable, and responsible society, where individual liberties are balanced with collective responsibilities, and governance is guided by principles of social welfare and justice.


Balancing Federation and Centralization: India's Unique Structure

India's governance structure showcases a dynamic blend of federalism and centralization, giving rise to its distinct character. While the country is often referred to as a federation, it's also marked by a strong centralizing tendency, resulting in a delicate equilibrium.

Indestructible Union, Destructible States: The Indian Constitution establishes an "indestructible union," indicating the unity and integrity of the nation. However, it also acknowledges that states are "destructible" in the sense that they can be reorganized or altered. This recognition allows for a measure of central authority in managing state boundaries and territories.

Unitary Character during Emergencies: In times of emergency, India acquires a more unitary character. The central government gains increased control and authority, diminishing the autonomy of states. This temporary shift towards centralization is a response to the exigencies of the situation, ensuring a coordinated response to national challenges.

Quasi-Federal Nature: The unique interplay between federal and unitary aspects has led experts to characterize India's governance as "quasi-federal." This term reflects the intricate balance where the central government retains substantial powers, yet respects the autonomy of states under normal circumstances.

Ensuring Unity and Diversity: India's approach reconciles its vast diversity with the need for national unity. While the centralizing tendency helps maintain a cohesive national fabric and enables coordinated responses during crises, the federal structure acknowledges the importance of regional diversity and local governance.

Constitutional Safeguards: The Constitution provides checks and balances to prevent undue centralization. The division of powers between the central and state governments, as enumerated in the Seventh Schedule, ensures a distribution of authority in areas of legislation.

Evolutionary Dynamics: India's governance structure continues to evolve, as federal and centralizing tendencies adapt to changing circumstances. This flexibility is instrumental in accommodating the nation's complex needs and diverse challenges.


India's governance, characterized by a federation with a strong centralizing tendency, captures the essence of unity in diversity. While centralization bolsters national cohesion and crisis management, federal principles respect regional identities and local governance. The country's quasi-federal nature reflects its commitment to striking a delicate balance that serves the interests of both the nation and its states.


Harmonizing Parliamentary Supremacy and Judicial Review: Constitutional Equilibrium

The Constitution of India intricately balances the principle of Parliamentary supremacy with the vital function of judicial review, accomplished through the establishment of an independent judiciary. This harmony between the two pillars of governance stands as a defining characteristic of our constitutional framework and is a remarkable achievement of its framers.

Independent Judiciary and Judicial Review: Central to India's constitutional design is the establishment of an independent judiciary vested with the power of judicial review. This authority empowers the judiciary to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, ensuring that they align with the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Parliamentary Supremacy and Legislative Authority: Parliamentary supremacy is another cornerstone of India's governance structure. This principle upholds the supremacy of the legislative branch, allowing it to enact laws and policies in the best interest of the nation.

Harmonizing through Judicial Review: The Constitution's genius lies in its ability to harmonize these seemingly conflicting principles. Judicial review provides a mechanism to ensure that parliamentary actions do not infringe upon constitutional rights or exceed the boundaries set by the Constitution. This process safeguards the essence of the Constitution while allowing Parliament to function effectively.

Framers' Vision: A Delicate Balance: The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware of the need to maintain equilibrium between the branches of government. They envisioned an independent judiciary acting as a sentinel, preventing any overreach of power while respecting the prerogatives of the legislative body.

Constitutional Equilibrium: The harmonization between Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial review creates a delicate yet robust constitutional equilibrium. This balance ensures that the principles of democratic representation are upheld, while also safeguarding individual rights and the Constitution's overarching values.

Preserving Democratic Values: This constitutional synergy is a testament to India's commitment to democratic governance. By empowering the judiciary with the authority to review and rectify any potential excesses of legislative actions, the Constitution safeguards the principles of justice, equality, and fundamental rights.


The ability to balance the authority of Parliament with the mechanism of judicial review underscores the foresight and wisdom of the Constitution's framers. This harmonious coexistence stands as a shining example of democratic governance, where the principles of representation and constitutionalism converge, ultimately ensuring the welfare and protection of the nation and its citizens.


Safeguarding Governance: Understanding Emergency Provisions

The framers of the Constitution anticipated scenarios where normal governance might be disrupted due to challenging circumstances. To address such situations, the Constitution meticulously outlines emergency provisions, ensuring that the governance machinery can function effectively even in difficult times. The Constitution envisages three distinct types of emergencies, each tailored to address specific challenges:

Emergency Due to War, External Aggression, or Armed Rebellion: This category encompasses emergencies triggered by external threats or internal armed uprisings. The President can declare a state of emergency in the entire country or specific regions, allowing the government to take necessary measures to safeguard national security and restore order.

Emergency Arising from Failure of Constitutional Machinery in States: In cases where the normal functioning of state governments faces breakdowns, this type of emergency comes into play. The President can declare a state of emergency in a particular state, enabling the central government to assume a greater role in state affairs and restore constitutional governance.

Financial Emergency: A financial emergency can be declared when the financial stability of the nation or a state is at risk. The central government gains the authority to oversee state finances and take necessary steps to restore economic stability.

These emergency provisions underline the Constitution's flexibility, allowing the government to address unprecedented challenges while adhering to democratic principles. However, these provisions are not to be taken lightly; they are subject to constitutional checks and balances to prevent misuse of power.


In conclusion, emergency provisions reflect the Constitution's foresight in providing mechanisms to ensure effective governance during testing times. By categorizing emergencies and defining their scope, the Constitution aims to strike a balance between maintaining order and upholding democratic values. These provisions underscore India's commitment to preserving the nation's stability and constitutional integrity, even in the face of adversity.


Upholding Democracy: Role of Independent Bodies in India's Constitution

In addition to its governmental framework, the Indian Constitution also establishes several independent bodies. These bodies play crucial roles in upholding democratic principles, ensuring impartiality, and maintaining the integrity of various processes. Some prominent independent bodies include:

Election Commission: Responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections, the Election Commission ensures the fair and transparent functioning of the electoral process. It guarantees that elections are conducted without bias and in accordance with the principles of democracy.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): The UPSC is tasked with conducting examinations for appointments to various central government services, facilitating a merit-based and impartial selection process for civil servants.

State Public Service Commission (SPSC): Similar to the UPSC, the SPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to state government services, thereby ensuring competent personnel in state administration.

Finance Commission: The Finance Commission is entrusted with the responsibility of recommending the distribution of financial resources between the central government and the states. This ensures fiscal balance and equitable resource allocation.

National Commissions for SCs and STs: These commissions are dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). They work to address issues of discrimination, inequality, and socio-economic development for these marginalized communities.

Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities: This position is established to protect the linguistic rights of minority groups, ensuring that their language and cultural identity are respected and promoted.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG): The CAG acts as an independent auditor of government accounts, ensuring transparency, financial integrity, and accountability in the use of public funds.

Attorney General of India: The Attorney General serves as the chief legal advisor to the government and represents it in legal matters, offering expert legal counsel on constitutional and legal issues.

Advocate General of the State: Similar to the Attorney General at the state level, the Advocate General advises the state government on legal matters and represents the state in legal proceedings.


These independent bodies collectively reinforce democratic values, ensure efficient governance, and safeguard the rights and interests of citizens. By maintaining their autonomy and impartiality, these bodies contribute to a well-functioning democracy that upholds the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency.


Doctrine of Basic Features: Safeguarding Constitutional Integrity

The Doctrine of Basic Features is a vital aspect of India's constitutional framework, ensuring the preservation of fundamental principles. This doctrine recognizes certain features of the Constitution as inviolable, preventing their alteration through the amendment process outlined in Article 368. Key facets of this doctrine include:

Limitations on Amendment: Not all provisions of the Constitution can be amended. Certain "basic features" are considered sacrosanct and beyond the scope of amendment. These essential components safeguard the core values and principles upon which the Constitution is built.

Directive Principles Implementation: The 25th Amendment Act underscores that a law intending to implement the directive principles outlined in Article 39 (b)-(c) will not be deemed void even if it contradicts other provisions. This enables the prioritization of social justice and equitable distribution of resources.

Absence of Referendum or Constituent Assembly: Unlike some other constitutional systems, the Indian Constitution does not require a referendum or reference to the Constituent Assembly for amendments. This reflects the framers' belief in the evolving nature of the Constitution and the capacity of elected representatives to uphold its integrity.


The Doctrine of Basic Features stands as a bulwark against potential erosion of the Constitution's core tenets. It ensures that while the Constitution remains amenable to change, its essential principles and values remain inviolable. This doctrine serves as a testament to the framers' commitment to creating a durable and adaptive constitutional framework that balances continuity with necessary evolution.


Features introduced through various amendments to the Constitution of India:

Some of them are as -

42nd Amendment (1976):

Added Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) to emphasize citizens' responsibilities towards the nation.

Term "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the Preamble, reflecting India's commitment to these principles.

Expanded the scope of parliamentary privileges while defining their limitations.

Strengthened the central government's authority during emergencies, leading to debates about the balance between federal and unitary aspects.

44th Amendment (1978):

Restored the judiciary's authority to review constitutional amendments, overturning the earlier verdict in the Kesavananda Bharati case.

Reiterated the principle of parliamentary supremacy by clarifying that fundamental rights cannot be amended in a manner that violates their basic structure.

73rd Amendment (1992) and 74th Amendment (1992):

Established Panchayats and Municipalities as self-governing institutions at the grassroots level, strengthening local governance.

Provided constitutional status and protection to these institutions, ensuring their autonomy and effective functioning.

86th Amendment (2002):

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years, enhancing youth participation in the democratic process.

97th Amendment (2011):

Introduced the concept of cooperative societies in the Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy, recognizing the importance of cooperatives in socio-economic development.

101st Amendment (2016):

Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a comprehensive indirect tax reform aimed at streamlining and unifying the country's taxation system.

103rd Amendment (2019):

Introduced a new category of reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs.

105th Amendment (2019):

Extended the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for another 10 years (until 2030).

These amendments reflect the evolving nature of India's constitutional framework, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring that the Constitution remains a dynamic and responsive document. They exemplify the nation's commitment to adapting its governance structure to meet the changing needs and aspirations of its citizens.

Disclaimer: The thoughts and perspectives expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily mirror the official stance or policies of any particular organization or entity. The information provided is grounded in the author's comprehension and interpretation of the subject matter as of the time of writing.


Readers are encouraged to delve into further research and consult trustworthy sources to cultivate a comprehensive grasp of the topic. While diligent efforts have been exerted to ensure accuracy, the information shared herein might not be exhaustive or current.


It should be noted that the information has been drawn from publicly accessible materials and is shared with the intention of fostering accurate dissemination of knowledge. For meticulous and detailed information, it is advisable for readers to turn to authorized and official sources. In cases of disparities, inaccuracies, grievances, or recommendations, your input is exceedingly treasured and welcomed.


Appreciation is extended to all contributors.

Author, Knowledge Revision

bottom of page